by Melissa Avery – Bugs. They are part of the outdoors, but that doesn’t mean we want them all over us, making an experience dreadful for the whole family. Enter Bug Band Insect Repellent wristbands and Towelettes.
As an independent adult traveler, I’ve tried many insect repellent products without putting too much thought into the chemical components. Motherhood, however, changed all that. My children (like many kids) have very sensitive skin, and most insect repellent sprays or creams have resulted in skin reactions.
Bug Band bands and towelettes contain Geraniol, extracted from the geranium flower, a naturally-occurring repellent. Mosquitoes, flies, gnats, no-see-ums and even fleas are victims of Bug Band, with no chemical after effects.
What We Liked About Bug Band
No spray to inhale. Bug Band can be worn on wrists, ankles, belt loops, backpacks or kid carriers.
Safe for children. Naturally-derived and DEET free, with 20% Geraniol – 80% Polyethylene, bands come in varieties of eight colors, are glow-in-the-dark and water resistant. Towlettes are also DEET-free, with 5.9% soybean, mint, and rosemary oil to naturally repel bugs.
As parent to three small children, including one newborn, I’m always on the lookout for chemical-free options. Bug Band bands are recommended for children over three, and for babies, the suggested method is to loop the band on an article of clothing, a carrier, or stroller (I fastened one band on my preschool daughter’s belt loop).
Reusable! With up to 120 hours of effectiveness, Bug Bands can be used over and over, if packaged away in the plastic case, and the bands and packaging can also be recycled. The towelettes can also be used for later use if properly stored (folded and closed) in the foil bag.
Truly Effective.To test both bands and towelettes, I went in search of insects – mosquitos, in particular – at my local butterfly garden in the Bay Area of California, a place where my children and I always come under siege. The kids wore the bands and I wiped the towelettes on my exposed arms.
Normally, swatting mosquitoes away is our usual practice, but this time, I watched the pesky things land on us and immediately fly away, not just once, but over and over again. Success!
Bug Band Disadvantages
Scent. Personally, I had no issue with the Geraniol smell since it reminded me of the geraniums my mother grew around the house, but my children weren’t too fond of the scent. After I explained the origin and purpose (to keep pesky mosquitoes away) they forgot about the smell and fought bugs away with the bands. Whatever works.
Bug Band bands retail for $4.95 each or $11.33 for a family 4-pack, and towelettes are a mere $6.74 for a 15-count. The brand also sells a pump spray, larger container of wipes, and other products. This outdoor family will definitely add Bug Bands to our family outdoor adventures.
Disclosure statement: Melissa Avery was provided Bug Band bands and towelettes for the purposes of review the product for Outdoor Families Magazine.
Melissa Avery blogs about her outdoor family at Chasqui Mom. You can find her on San Francisco Bay Area trails with her three kids.
Rhonda says
Are these products safe for dogs?
Erin Kirkland says
Hi Rhonda, I’ve been trying to find some research about safety for pets. I’d advise taking the product description to your vet and seeing what he/she says! ~Erin K
Robin Simonelli says
Bug band spray repellent works right up until it dries which is about thirty seconds. I shant purchase any more products from BUGBAND.
Jennifer Fontaine says
Sorry to hear you didn’t have a great experience with this brand.